Boston's Parking Ban Lifted; Schools To Remain Closed Thursday

Boston's snow emergency parking ban was lifted at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, but schools in the city will remain closed for a third day on Thursday.

"I am confident that our roads are safe and drivable, and that our schools will be clear by tomorrow morning. But, I have grave concerns about the status of our sidewalks and the well-being of students walking to and from their bus stops, or needing to stand in the street when they are waiting for the bus," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement.

Walsh said crews would continue to remove snow from the streets and bus stops overnight and that the city's top priority is "working with residents and businesses to clear sidewalks to ensure that school will be open on Friday."

During a press conference earlier Wednesday, Walsh urged residents to be patient as crews continue to dig of the 2 feet of snow the blizzard dumped on the city.

“I know that we’ve received a lot of calls, particularly over the last 10 hours about your streets not being plowed or not being plowed enough,” Walsh said. “We’re going to get to you. We’re going to get to every corner of the city.”

Walsh thanked residents who remained indoors Wednesday to let the cleanup continue. He said he didn't yet know the cost of the storm.

He again asked residents to help dig out hydrants and assist elderly neighbors to clear paths to their homes.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom.